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Governor General Announces New Appointments to the Order of CanadaDecember 30, 2008 OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced today 60 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include 4 Companions (C.C.), 14 Officers (O.C.), and 42 Members (C.M.). These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada. Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date. Awarded for the first time in 1967, during Canada’s Centennial Year, the Order of Canada launched the creation of our country’s own system of honours. For more information on the Canadian honours system, please consult http://www.gg.ca/honours/index_e.asp. The list of recipients (Annex A), citations (Annex B) and an Order of Canada backgrounder (Annex C) are attached. -30- Media Information www.gg.ca Annex A - RECIPIENTS On the recommendation of the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada, the Governor General is pleased to announce the following appointments: COMPANIONS
OFFICERS
MEMBERS
COMPANIONS Céline Dion, C.C., O.Q. For having won over audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent as a pop singer, and for her commitment to numerous humanitarian causes at the national and international levels. This is a promotion within the Order. Ben Heppner, C.C. For his continued role as a premier musical ambassador for Canada, who has reached the pinnacle of his profession and who is equally renowned for his generosity of spirit as for his abilities as a tenor. This is a promotion within the Order. Stephen A. Jarislowsky, C.C., G.O.Q. For his contributions as a leader in Canada’s investment sector, notably for championing the highest standards of corporate governance practices for public companies, and for his sustained philanthropic support of educational, cultural, health care and charitable activities throughout the country. This is a promotion within the Order Peter Munk, C.C. For his contributions as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist, helping to establish world-class health care and education institutions in Canada and abroad. This is a promotion within the Order. OFFICERS Gary Birch, O.C. For his contributions to the development of the Neil Squire Society, an organization that develops programs, services and assistive technology for people with physical disabilities, and for his determination and ingenuity in helping Canadians with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life. The Honourable Iona Campagnolo, P.C., O.C., O.B.C. For her contributions to her province and to the nation as a former lieutenant governor, member of Parliament and cabinet minister, and for her continued work and dedication as a volunteer, notably in the areas of human rights and the environment. This is a promotion within the Order. William J. Commanda, O.C. For his leadership as an elder who has promoted intercultural understanding and has raised awareness of the traditions and legacies of Canada’s Aboriginal people. Nellie J. Cournoyea, O.C. For her active involvement in promoting social and economic development for Aboriginal people, and for her contributions to political governance in the Northwest Territories. Paul E. Garfinkel, O.C. For his contributions to the field of mental health, notably as a psychiatrist, advocate and researcher specializing in eating disorders. Dave Joe, O.C. For his leadership in building stronger communities and positive relations between Native and non-Native peoples and in negotiating final land claims agreements for several Yukon First Nations. The Honourable Michael J. Kirby, O.C. For his contributions to public policy and good governance in Canada, and more recently, for his leadership of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Arvind Koshal, O.C. For his contributions to the field of cardiac surgery in Canada, notably in performing several innovative techniques, and for his leadership in developing one of the leading cardiac care programs in the country. Claude R. Lamoureux, O.C. For his contributions to promoting strong corporate governance and for his leadership as one of Canada’s foremost institutional fund managers. Louise Lecavalier, O.C. For her legendary contribution to the development of contemporary dance as an internationally renowned dancer. The Honourable Allan J. MacEachen, P.C., O.C. For his highly distinguished career of public service, notably as a long-serving senator and as a cabinet minister, where he played key roles in instituting important changes to national health, pension and social security policies. David P. O’Brien, O.C. For his contributions as a respected corporate leader and for his generous support of post-secondary education across Canada. Ian C.P. Smith, O.C. For his leadership in the advancement, development and commercialization of Canada’s diagnostic technologies, notably magnetic resonance imaging and its applications in the field of health care. The Honourable Barry L. Strayer, O.C. For his contributions to the Canadian legal profession, especially in the field of constitutional law, and for his role in bringing about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Michael A. Baker, C.M. For his contributions to health care in Canada, notably for his work in developing an innovative, integrated medical care program for cancer patients and for his leadership in the area of infectious disease control. Joyce Barkhouse, C.M., O.N.S. For her contributions to children’s literature and the Canadian literary community. Elsa Bolam, C.M. For her contributions to English theatre in Montréal and for her work in making theatre accessible to remote communities in the province of Quebec. David Bouchard, C.M. For his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories. David A. Brown, C.M. For his leadership in the administration of securities legislation in Ontario as well as for his volunteer activities, notably in the area of health care. Dinu Bumbaru, C.M. For his leadership in promoting, protecting and enhancing the historical, natural and cultural heritage of the Montréal area, and for his dedication to preserving world heritage sites. Frederick Carmichael, C.M. For his contributions and achievements as a Native leader, businessman and volunteer, as well as a committed and untiring advocate of autonomy for Native people. Douglas Cole, C.M. For contributing to the development and promotion of jazz in Canada by providing performance experience and learning opportunities to countless musicians in his entertainment venues, including George’s Spaghetti House and Bourbon Street. Gail Cook-Bennett, C.M. For her leadership on numerous corporate and private sector boards in Canada, as well as for her continued support of non-profit organizations over the years. Max Cynader, C.M., O.B.C. For his contributions to the field of biomedical research, notably in the study of the brain and visual systems, and for increasing the accessibility of treatments on the public market. James J. Douglas, C.M. For his contributions as a pioneer in the book publishing industry, both in British Columbia and across the country. Fred S. Fountain, C.M. For his contributions to the people of Nova Scotia as a community volunteer, philanthropist and dedicated fundraiser. Arlene Haché, C.M. For her contributions to the well-being of Canada’s northern citizens, notably through her leadership of the Centre for Northern Families, as well as numerous local, territorial and national associations. Kenneth Kernaghan, C.M. For his contributions to public administration as one of Canada’s foremost scholars in the areas of ethics and accountability for more than 30 years. M. Azhar Ali Khan, C.M. For his contributions as a leader in the Muslim community and as a journalist and volunteer dedicated to strengthening ties between people of diverse backgrounds and faiths. LaVerne Kindree, C.M. For his commitment and dedication to the community of Squamish as a health care practitioner, volunteer, philanthropist and leader for more than 50 years. Suzanne Lapointe, C.M. For her career as a television host, comedian and author, and for her dedication to numerous charitable organizations. John F. Lewis, C.M. For his contributions to health care and health education at the local and provincial levels and for his role in establishing many essential community-based medical services at home and abroad. Frank L. Lovsin, C.M. For his contributions as a volunteer, philanthropist and entrepreneur who has served as a vocal advocate for his community in regional and provincial affairs. David Matas, C.M. For his contributions to human rights legislation as well as to immigration and refugee law. Gordon A. McBean, C.M. For his contributions to the advancement of climate and atmospheric sciences in Canada, and for his leadership in national and international scientific organizations, helping to generate and disseminate research findings to policymakers and stakeholders. Barbara McInnes, C.M. For her contributions as a leader and catalyst for the development of the community foundation movement in both her city and across Canada. Don McKay, C.M. For his contributions to Canadian literature as a nature poet and mentor of many emerging writers from coast to coast. James H. Morrison, C.M. For his service to the collection and preservation of Nova Scotia’s multicultural heritage, notably as an authority on oral histories. K. Alexander Nilsson, C.M. For his extensive volunteerism, leadership and dedication to social well-being in the community of Creston. Allison D. O’Brien, C.M. For his contributions to public service in the province of Alberta, and for helping to shape public policy, mainly in the area of finance. Willie E. O’Ree, C.M., O.N.B. For his pioneering contributions to the development of professional hockey, and for his tireless dedication to promoting the sport to minority youth in Canada and the United States. Lata Pada, C.M. For her contributions to the development of South Asian dance as a choreographer, teacher, dancer and artistic director, as well as for her commitment and support of the Indian community in Canada. Brian Paisley, C.M. For his contributions to Canadian theatre, notably as the founder of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the original and largest fringe theatre festival in North America. Ross E. Petty, C.M. For his contributions to the field of pediatric rheumatology, notably for having established the first formal academic program in Canada, as well as for having improved the lives of children afflicted with rheumatic diseases. Douglas Pollard, C.M. For his contributions as a businessman, publisher and volunteer who, for more than 50 years, has championed the cultural and historical riches of Northern Ontario. Victor M. Power, C.M. For his commitment and dedication to the community of Timmins as a long-time mayor and alderman, and for his leadership as a vocal advocate on behalf of the entire region of Northern Ontario. Elinor Gill Ratcliffe, C.M., O.N.L. For her contributions as a philanthropist who has given support to a wide variety of community groups, charities and arts organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Angela Rebeiro, C.M. For her contributions to the promotion of Canadian writers through numerous leadership roles in the publishing and literary world, notably as head of Playwrights Canada Press, and as an active and influential volunteer for arts organizations. Henry A. Regier, C.M. For his contributions to the development and implementation of ecosystem management to protect freshwater fisheries, notably in the Great Lakes, and for his leadership in national and international organizations concerned with environmental conservation. Byron P. Rourke, C.M. For his contributions to psychology, notably as a founding father of clinical and child neuropsychology in Canada, and for his pioneering research on nonverbal learning disabilities. The Honourable Herbert O. Sparrow, C.M. For his contributions to Canadian soil conservation and sustainable farming policy, as well as for his volunteerism and dedication to charities in the town of North Battleford. Donald W. Storch, C.M. For his contributions and volunteerism in the fields of social welfare, family services, law and health care, particularly through his involvement with the Victorian Order of Nurses. David Thauberger, C.M. For his contributions to the promotion and preservation of Canadian heritage and folk art in the province of Saskatchewan, in addition to his work as a painter, sculptor and educator. Pierre Théroux, C.M. Cardiologist, professor and researcher recognized for his innovations in diagnostic techniques and in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. William J. Wall, C.M. For his contributions to the development and advancement of liver transplantation in Canada, and for promoting awareness of the need for organ donation. Shirley Westeinde, C.M. For her contributions as a leader in the construction industry, notably as a role model for young women seeking to pursue careers in the trades, and for her volunteerism in the areas of health and education. Annex C - ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is our country’s highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement. Three different levels of membership—Companion, Officer and Member—honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada. The governor general is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country. Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals as candidates for appointment. Any Canadian may be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who may not be appointed while holding office. People who are not Canadian may be considered for honorary appointments. |
